Since the early 2000s, the popularity of reading purely for entertainment has significantly declined.  With the rapid advancement of technology, many have turned to digital entertainment over books: social media, streaming services, and video games. For those who still cherish the magic of reading, books remain one of the best ways to escape reality. When it comes to immersive books that carry the reader away from their reality, few authors have captured my imagination quite like Sarah J. Maas.

Maas has built an entire universe in the fantasy genre, using words to paint worlds filled with magic, romance, and unforgettable characters. However, entering this universe can be complicated. It’s comprised of 3 separate series: Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. At first glance, it can feel a bit intimidating, with a total of sixteen books (and counting). However, with their fast pace, sharp wit, found family relationships, and spellbinding romances, these books fly by — every day, I wish I could experience them for the first time. 

To convince you to dive into the Maas universe, called the “Maasiverse” by fans, below is an easy-to-follow guide for the order and short descriptions of each series!

1. The Throne of Glass series

1. The Assassin’s Blade
2. Throne of Glass
3. Crown of Midnight
4. Heir of Fire
5. Queen of Shadows
6. Empire of Storms
7. Tower of Dawn
8. Kingdom of Ash

2. The A Court of Thorns and Roses series

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
2. A Court of Mist and Fury
3. A Court of Wings and Ruin
4. A Court of Frost and Starlight
5. A Court of Silver Flames

more to come

3. The Crescent City series

1. House of Earth and Blood
2. House of Sky and Breath
3. House of Flame and Shadow

more to come

Throne of Glass (often called ToG) follows Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin with a hidden past, as she navigates a brutal competition, a brewing war, and the secrets of an ancient land. The series unravels into an epic tale of destiny, sacrifice, defying the odds, and inspiring resilience. Each book builds on the last, layering political intrigue, emotional depth, and jaw-dropping twists. I think Celaena herself is what draws me in the most; she’s bold, complex, and morally twisted, showing how someone can be good and bad at the same time. Throughout the series, I loved watching her find herself and push against the shadows of her past. I also loved how Maas gradually interwove multiple perspectives and storylines, giving the reader insight into numerous characters. Ultimately, it made the final culmination of every storyline and character arc much more satisfying and emotional. It’s the series that made me fall in love with Maas’s storytelling and, honestly, my favorite series overall. Beneath the dark moments lies a story full of hope, forged bonds that become family, and the idea of reaching for the light when all you see is darkness. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses (aka ACOTAR) follows Feyre Archeron, a human girl who has to hunt to keep her family fed and alive. Similar to ToG, the books are full of mystical secrets and intense battles, but also introduce distinct magical courts inspired by the seasons and times of day, each with its own politics and tensions. It all begins as a Beauty and the Beast reimagining, but quickly transforms into a whole new world of powerful fae, deadly bargains, found family, and plot twists at every corner. For the sake of honesty, I’ll admit that the first book isn’t great — the writing and story feel a little immature and rough compared to later books. Despite its flaws, the first book lays the groundwork for everything that follows: richer characters, higher stakes, and a far more intricate world that rewards your patience. 

Maas’s new series, Crescent City, stands out from the rest; it ventures into urban fantasy, combining modern technology with magic. It follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae girl whose life is upended by tragedy, leading her into a mystery that threatens her world as she knew it. Once again, I’ll confess that the first book can feel slightly overwhelming; the world-building is dense, and takes about a hundred pages before you’re fully invested. However, the payoff is worth it; once you get past the beginning, the rest is impossible to put down. It’s full of mystery (usually I’m not drawn to mysteries, but Maas blended it perfectly with the fantasy), fast-paced action, sharp wit, and complex characters.

Having spent countless hours lost in these stories — laughing, tearing up, and holding my breath through every twist — I can confidently say no other fantasy world has captured me quite like this one. Even now, years after first reading most of these books, my family has to tune out my endless rambling about the characters and plotlines that live rent-free in my mind. 

I think part of what keeps me so fascinated is how these worlds intertwine. Though each series can stand on its own, subtle details and Easter eggs hint at a connection between the worlds, hence the “Maasiverse.” Every reread reveals foreshadowing and hidden ties I hadn’t noticed before. 

Overall, I’ve found Maas’s writing — especially in Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses — a very friendly introduction to the fantasy genre. Many fantasy books can be confusing, with dense world-building, politics, and lore that are hard to keep track of. They can feel overwhelming and slow. The “Maasiverse,” however, is the complete opposite. Her books are impressively absorbing, hooking readers like me from the very first chapter.

While the sheer number of books may feel intimidating, reading Sarah J. Maas’s work is truly worth it. Don’t let the length scare you — pick up one book, and I’m confident you’ll find yourself devouring the rest.